by Clint Daly

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This week on the Daly Dose Sports Podcast, we look back at the 2015-2016 NBA season and some of our memories from a very interesting year. We pick some winners and losers from the NBA Draft and wonder where some of the top free agents could wind up. Team USA Basketball made some interesting selections for their roster and we have some concerns about how they might do at the Olympics in Rio. Plus there are some season ending NBA Awards, reflections on both Pat Summitt and Buddy Ryan, and we count down the Top 5 NBA Draft steals of all time!

The 2016 NBA Draft has come and gone. And while you dozed off after the first seven picks, we forced ourselves to stay awake so that we could give you our 2016 Draft grades! So try to stay awake this time. There could be a test later.

Atlanta Hawks

Outlook: The Hawks clearly needed some players that could contribute right away, and it seems they got that in Prince and Bembry. Now if they can just get Al Horford to stay, they assure themselves of another early playoff exit.

Grade: B

Boston Celtics

Outlook: The Celtics got some talented perimeter players. Unfortunately, they already have a ton of talented perimeter players. But maybe they are holding out hope they can trade for a frontcourt player like Kevin Love. And if that is their plan, Danny Ainge no longer seems like a genius, does he?

Grade: D

Charlotte Hornets

Outlook: The Hornets decided that they didn’t want to risk a pick on an unproven commodity. So they traded the pick to the Kings for a journeyman three-point shooter that doesn’t make very many three point shots. LeBron may never be able to overtake Michael Jordan as a player but he has already passed him as a GM.

Grade: D

Chicago Bulls

Outlook: Chicago got rid of Derrick Rose and his hefty contract and picked up Valentine to run the point. Will the rookie be as good as Rose once was? Probably not, but he might actually wear a uniform and participate in games.

Grade: B

Cleveland Cavaliers

Notable picks: Kay Felder, PG, Oakland

Outlook: The Cavs get a backup point guard as insurance just in case Matthew Dellavedova leaves. And Felder should be able to watch and cheer just as good as Delly ever did. Well done, Cavs.

Grade: A-

Dallas Mavericks

Notable picks: A.J. Hammons, C, Purdue

Outlook: We have no idea what the Mavericks are doing anymore. Hammons has some good size and the Mavs did need a big man. Of course he’s not very athletic, and he doesn’t always play hard. So maybe he fits right in.

Grade: B+

Denver Nuggets

Outlook: Quite frankly, we aren’t sure what is going on in Denver. The Nuggets desperately needed some shooters to go along with PG Emmanuel Muiday and Nikola Jokic, and they actually got some shooters. But we aren’t used to the Nuggets making sense. And honestly, it scares us.

Grade: A

Detroit Pistons

Outlook: The Pistons stated that they didn’t have any pressing needs, which allowed them to just take the top player available. We think it’s cute that a team that finished No. 8 in the Eastern Conference didn’t think they didn’t have any pressing needs.

Grade: B-

Golden State Warriors

Notable picks: Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt; Patrick McCaw, SG, UNLV

Outlook: Big surprise here, the Warriors just get better. They pick up Jones who can help their frontcourt should Festus Ezeli and Marreese Speights leave via free agency. And McCaw could develop into a solid perimeter defender. It is almost like the league fixed it for them. Right, Ayesha Curry?

Grade: B+

Houston Rockets

Notable picks: Chinanu Onuaku, C, Louisville (37); Zhou Qi, PF, China

Outlook: The Rockets love their analytics and they grabbed two players, plus Gary Payton II following that draft, that all should fit their analytic scheme pretty well. How’s that analytic thing working out, by the way? Good? Or no?

Grade: B-

Indiana Pacers

Notable picks: Georges Niang, SF, Iowa State

Outlook: Niang could eventually contribute, and the Pacers also dealt for Jeff Teague and Thaddeus Young, which should boost their offense considerably. And don’t worry about the defense. Nothing to see there, folks. Just keep moving along.

Grade: B

Los Angeles Clippers

Outlook: With his skills and team-first attitude Brice Johnson seems like a perfect fit for the Clippers, and Diamond Stone is a bit of a head case. Which also makes sense for the Clippers.

Grade: C

Los Angeles Lakers

Notable picks: Brandon Ingram, SF, Duke; Ivica Zubac, C, Croatia

Outlook: The Lakers got exactly what they needed out of this draft, and both players should be a good fit for what new head coach Luke Walton wants to do. Of course they will still have point guard D’Angelo Russell running the show and showing these guys the ropes. So good luck with that.

Grade: B+

Memphis Grizzlies

Outlook: A productive draft for Memphis, as they got a young point guard as insurance in case Mike Conley departs. And Davis could eventually be a player too. If he ever recovers from the shame and humiliation of sitting in the draft green room for four hours waiting for his name to be called.

Grade: B

Miami Heat

Notable picks: None.

Outlook: The Heat feel they are set for talent and so they didn’t make a single move. Or else they are gearing up to make another run at LeBron James. Either way, if there were any diehard Miami fans they would surely be disappointed.

Grade: C

Milwaukee Bucks

Outlook: Milwaukee grabbed the enigmatic Sudanese-Australian big man that is either 19 years old, or possibly as old as 21-23, which makes their draft grade either bad or really bad.

Grade: C-

Minnesota Timberwolves

Notable picks: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence

Outlook: The Wolves decided to go with a new point guard over scorers like Jamal Murray or Buddy Hield. Which tells us that head coach Tom Thibodeau has enough of whiny, complaining point guards that can’t shoot.

Grade: B-

New Orleans Pelicans

Notable picks: Buddy Hield, SG, Oklahoma; Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas

Outlook: The Pelicans surprised us all and actually made some intelligent selections here. Now they just need to draft a massage therapist to rub Anthony Davis back, which has to be sore from carrying this mess.

Grade: A

New York Knicks

Notable picks: None

Outlook: The Knicks had no picks this year, but they were able to make a deal to bring the artist formerly known as Derrick Rose to the Big Apple. If they can manage to bring in another free agent like Dwight Howard or Joakim Noah to combine with Rose and Carmelo Anthony, they could be a one of the top teams in the Eastern Conference. If it were 2010.

Grade: F

Oklahoma City Thunder

Outlook: In addition to Sabonis and Hamilton, the Thunder also shipped out Serge Ibaka and picked up perimeter defender Victor Oladipo. Ibaka had been an excellent defender but had fallen in love with taking bad shots. And I think we all know that Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook take enough bad shots as it is.

Grade: A

Orlando Magic

Notable picks: Steven Zimmerman, C, UNLV

Outlook: Orlando traded guard Victor Oladipo to Oklahoma City and brought big man Serge Ibaka to town. A big man that should be a top defender, but has an inflated ego about his offensive skills? It’s like Dwight Howard is back!

Grade: D

Philadelphia 76ers

Outlook: The Sixers finally get a player that should be able to get the ball to past top draft picks Nerlens Noel, Jahlil Okafor, and Joel Embiid. Of course if form holds, Simmons will be injured prior to the start of the season anyway.

Grade: B+

Phoenix Suns

Outlook: The Suns grabbed another Kentucky player in the undersized Ulis, giving them five on the current roster. That means if they do ever end up winning anything they will probably have to vacate those wins.

Grade: B

Portland Trailblazers

Notable picks: Jake Layman, SF, Maryland

Outlook: Portland bought their way into the draft to grab the 6-foot-9 shooter that isn’t very consistent at shooting. But after the surprise season the Blazers had, I’m not doubting any of their decisions again. Well, except maybe Greg Oden. And Victor Claver. Oh, and Nolan Smith. Maybe Erick Barkley. Jeff Lamp. Of course Sam Bowie. But that’s it.

Grade: C-

Sacramento Kings

Outlook: Kings VP Vlade Divac swore that the hiring of Dave Joerger as head coach would be the end of the foolishness in Sacramento. But after these selections it is clear that the Kings still have some shenanigans going on. It is almost like Divac is trying to trick us. One last flop, if you will.

Grade: D-

San Antonio Spurs

Notable picks: Dejounte Murray, PG, Washington

Outlook: Of course the Spurs had Murray fall to them at pick No. 29 when he was expected to be a top 15 selection. The athletic point guard could end up taking over for Tony Parker in a few seasons, and teaming up with a 74-year-old Tim Duncan to lead San Antonio to another title.

Grade: B-

Utah Jazz

Outlook: The Jazz just missed the playoffs so they felt like they may not have any real pressing needs coming into this season. But they also allowed 50-year-old Kobe Bryant to score 60 points, on one leg, while wearing Depends under his shorts in his final game. So one of these guys had better be able to defend a little, right?

Grade: C

Washington Wizards

Notable picks: No picks.

Outlook: The Wizards have enough problems on that roster without adding any new headaches. Bravo, Wizards. Bravo.

It seems like just days ago that the NBA Finals ended, and now here we are with the NBA Draft already upon us!

Oh yeah, that was just a few days ago…but the NBA knows that you can either watch the draft or watch baseball.

Either way, you’re probably going to get a nap out of the deal.

1. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers need the skills that LSU forward Ben Simmons has, as he is probably the best athlete, passer, and playmaker in this draft. Plus, he’s already used to losing. So it’s a win/win. Well…I guess it’s more win/win/lose.

Pick: Ben Simmons, F, LSU

2. Los Angeles Lakers

The Lakers like what Ingram brings to the table, as he is 6-9 and can hurt defenses from the perimeter. And Lakers point guard D’Angelo Russell is already trying to add Ingram on his Snapchat.

Pick: Brandon Ingram, F, Duke

3. Boston Celtics

Boston might end up trading this pick, but they could use some help in their front court, and the city of Boston does love them some white players.

Pick: Dragan Bender, PF, Bosnia

4. Phoenix Suns

The Suns have Eric Bledsoe, Brandon Knight, Devin Booker, and Alex Len. So they add another great athlete that looks good in workouts, but never really delivers in an actual game.

Pick: Marquese Chriss, F, Washington

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

First, T-Wolves point guard Ricky Rubio shoots 36 percent from the field for his career. Then he says how he is thinking about leaving Minnesota so he can finally make the playoffs. Minnesota has one word for the Spanish brick layer- “Adios.”

Pick: Kris Dunn, PG, Providence

6. New Orleans Pelicans

Jamal Murray might be the safest pick in the draft. He can score inside and outside, and should make an immediate impact with a team that desperately needs it. Sure, coming from Kentucky he will have to get used to the pay-cut, but sometimes these things just take time.

Pick: Jamal Murray, F, Kentucky

7. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets can really use a top flight scorer and they can get one in Hield. And in a few years when he leaves to play for a real franchise, they will say how smart they were to have drafted him way back when.

Pick: Buddy Hield, G, Oklahoma

8. Sacramento Kings

Brown has some major physical skills, but he also has an attitude that have made teams question if he is worthy of a high pick. But in Sacramento, his attitude feels cute and cuddly when compared to DeMarcus Cousins and Rajon Rondo. So this pick just makes sense.

Pick: Jaylen Brown, F, California

9. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors need some rebounding help as Bismack Biyombo will be hitting the free agent market. And while no one even knew who Biyombo was a few weeks ago, the Raptors are now going to say he is a huge loss to their title chances.

Pick: Domantas Sabonis F/C Gonzaga

10. Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks need some depth and skill up front, and Utah seven-footer Jakob Poeltl has shown that he might be capable of growing a Jack Sikma-like afro. So there’s that.

Pick: Jakob Poeltl, C, Utah

11. Orlando Magic

Orlando has had a pick in the top five of the NBA Draft for the past three years and have yet to win more than 35 games in a season. See? This NBA draft system is really working!

Pick: Skal Labissiere, C, Kentucky

12. Utah Jazz

It takes a special kind of player to play in Utah, where the alcohol is scarce, and the women are wearing bonnets. But Vandy shooting guard Wade Baldwin is saying all the right things in his interviews. So let’s see if he is really the good guy that he is portraying.

Pick: Wade Baldwin, SG, Vanderbilt

13. Phoenix Suns

The Suns have three picks in the first round so they can afford to take a chance on Murray here. He is extremely athletic and has great size. And it isn’t like anyone is holding their breath that the Suns are going to actually win something.

Pick: Dejounte Murray, G, Washington

14. Chicago Bulls

Davis could be a nice addition into the mix in Chicago. Unfortunately players are trying to leave the team like Jerry Krause is still running things. So Davis could end up being the man in Chicago. The man that gets beat a lot.

Pick: Deyonta Davis, PF Michigan State

15. Denver Nuggets

Denver grabs the scorer from Turkey with their second pick. He will join foreign players Danilo Gallinari from Italy, Nikola Jokic from Serbia, Joffrey Lauvergne from France, and Jusuf Nurkic from Bosnia. The Nuggets are putting together a scrappy European rec-league team.

Pick: Furkan Kormaz, SG, Turkey

16. Boston Celtics

Another pasty white dude in Celtic green. It’s like kismet.

Pick: Henry Ellenson, PF, Marquette

17. Memphis Grizzlies

Richardson made more three pointers in the Elite Eight against Virginia last spring than the Grizzlies made all last season.

Pick: Malachi Richardson, SG, Syracuse

18. Detroit Pistons

The Pistons might get the steal of the draft in Valentine, a hard-nosed kid that will produce at the next level. As long as he doesn’t face Middle Tennessee in the NBA.

Pick: Denzel Valentine, G, Michigan State

19. Denver Nuggets

Denver has three picks in the first round of the draft, and are looking to prove that they are capable of screwing up three picks, just as easy as they can botch a single pick. Well played, Denver. You “win”.

Pick: Ivica Zubac, C, Serbia

20. Indiana Pacers

Larry Bird fired Frank Vogel because he wants to play faster. And while critics will say Vogel won, Bird will point out that Indiana plays in the Eastern Conference so winning isn’t that difficult. And that he can still beat you at HORSE.

Pick: Demetrius Jackson, PG, Notre Dame

21. Atlanta Hawks

The Hawks can use some frontcourt help, especially if Al Horford decides to leave via free agency. Sure Johnson won’t be able to step right in for a player the caliber of Horford. But he can probably win the same amount of playoff games.

Pick: Brice Johnson, PF, North Carolina

22. Charlotte Hornets

Michael Jordan makes some headlines as he scoops up the seven-foot athlete that is already being called the “Sudanese-Australian Kwame Brown”.

Pick: Thon Maker, PF, Australia

23. Boston Celtics

After grabbing a couple of big white stiffs, the Celtics finally pick up a player that could actually improve their team. Hey, third time’s a charm.

Pick: Taurean Prince, F, Baylor

24. Philadelphia 76ers

With so many needs to fill it is kind of hard to know what the Sixers will do here. But I do know what they won’t do. Win anytime soon.

Pick: Cheick Diallo, PF, Kansas

25. Los Angeles Clippers

The Clippers could have some holes to fill and the big man from Vandy could provide some backup minutes to Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan. Sure, he isn’t as athletic as those two…but he can make a free throw.

Pick: Damian Jones, C, Vanderbilt

26. Philadelphia 76ers

The Sixers need guards so they grab the talented Bembry who can shoot, see the floor, and handle the ball. Philly should be well aware of Bembry who played his college ball right down the street at St. Joes. Then again we are talking about the 76ers. They have no idea who this kid is, do they?

Pick: DeAndre’ Bembry, SG, St Josephs

27. Toronto Raptors

The Raptors are going to need someone to miss some shots with DeMar DeRozen a possibility to leave via free agency. Beasley will give it a try.

Pick: Malik Beasley, SG, Florida State

28. Phoenix Suns

Yes, the Suns have yet another pick in the first round, but can they really afford three rookies? No, so they take “Juancho”, who will probably stay in Spain for another season. Then he can come to Phoenix to “Sucko”.

Pick: Juan Hernangomez, PF, Spain

29. San Antonio Spurs

He may wait another year before joining the Spurs and fellow countryman Tony Parker, but at just 21 years of age, the talented shooter lowers the Spurs average roster age to 74.

Pick: Petr Cornelie, PF, France

30. Golden State Warriors

The Warriors might have won the NBA Championship with a player like Bentil in the lineup instead of Anderson Varejao. Of course a can of Spam on the floor would have been an improvement over Varejao.

The 2016 NBA Finals has struggled to live up to past seasons and NBA Commissioner Adam Silver will not take it lying down.

Through the first four games, the outcomes between the Golden State Warriors and Cleveland Cavaliers have been determined by a difference of a whopping 89 points, or 22 points per game.

The Warriors now lead the series 3-1, and Las Vegas currently has the Cavaliers as a -2500 underdog to come back and win the championship.

Television ratings are down, the series could end early, and the games themselves have been nearly unwatchable.

But Adam Silver has a plan.

(Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News Group)

Silver suspended Warriors forward Draymond Green for Game 5 on Monday night after assessing Green a Flagrant 1 foul for his role in a play in Game 4.

The play in question came with less than three minutes remaining as Green and Cavaliers forward LeBron James got tangled and Green fell to the floor.

James then stepped over Green, and the Warriors forward blindly swung his arm and appeared to make contact with James.

James immediately turned around and the two players went chest-to-chest before being separated.

NBA executive vice president of basketball operations Kiki Vandeweghe announced the decision on Sunday. “The cumulative points system is designed to deter flagrant fouls in our game,” Vandeweghe said in a statement. “While Draymond Green’s actions in Game 4 do not merit a suspension as a standalone act, the number of flagrant points he has earned triggers a suspension for Game 5.”

“We realize that he was probably deserving of a suspension following his kick of Steven Adams in the Oklahoma City Thunder series, but at the time the Warriors were down 3-1. We desperately needed Draymond to play. Now with the Warriors up 3-1 we can sit him down and hopefully tighten this series up.”

Is the NBA concerned about being so transparent in their intentions to manipulate the outcome of games?

“Well, we do have to be cautions.” Vandeweghe stated. “This isn’t WWE. We must keep the integrity of the game intact. But if Game 5 is too close we are also looking at suspending Klay Thompson for making three pointers and Stephen Curry for those ugly ‘Chef Curry’ shoes.”

This week on the Daly Dose Sports Podcast, Clint talks a little about some of the problems facing a few of the top college football programs in the country, and who stands to benefit the most from it all.

The Cleveland Cavaliers are down 2-0 in the NBA Finals to the defending champion Golden State Warriors and now the injuries are beginning to mount.

First, it was Cleveland forward Kevin Love suffering a concussion in Game 2, after taking an elbow to the head. Love’s status for Game 3 is still in question as he will be required to enter the NBA’s concussion protocol before he will be cleared to return.

Love took an inadvertent elbow to the head from Warriors forward Harrison Barnes in the second quarter of the Game 2 blow-out loss.

And now it seems that the Cavs would also like head coach Tyronn Lue to undergo concussion testing after seeing his game plan in the first two games.

The Cavaliers have been outscored 214 to 166 in the first two games and Lue has failed to make much in the way of adjustments.

Cleveland owner Dan Gilbert summed up the thinking. “Look, we all thought that the only reason that we lost last season in six games was because of all the injuries. We lost Kevin, Kyrie Irving was out, and Iman Schumpert was not 100 percent. But we have been completely healthy this year until now. The only difference is we got rid of head coach David Blatt and gave the job to Lue. Yet at this point we are going to lose in four games. And I’m going to be honest, they should probably call it after three.”

LeBron James agreed. “I just think we need to make sure that Coach Lue is completely healthy. When I put this team together I selected the players that I thought would help me win. But that hasn’t happened. And someone has to be held responsible. Because it isn’t going to be me.”

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